Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Starks.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Does anyone remember the Initial Teaching Alphabet? It achieved a certain degree of popularity in the 1960s. I like to think it helped me to become an early reader. I was big into comics. Batman was my hero-of-choice, followed by Superman and other DC characters. I was soon introduced to such (Marvel)ous concepts as”mutants,” “cyborgs,” “multiverse,” and “cybernetics.” Such inspiration would inevitably lead to the creation of my own comic – titled simply – “Martian.” I would write and draw the books and a friend would color in the panels for class credit. A small contingency of readers would immediately recognize the unique horned-headed shape of “Martian” when it popped up in school puppet shows.
“Martian” evolved into a popular comic strip in college, You could find the panels taped to dorm room walls and the characters even painted on a door or two. The strip was briefly syndicated around that time, appearing with others titles in a monthly magazine. Along the way, I watched the price of comic books rise from 10 or 12 cents to $3 and the format evolve from paper to electronic.
Embracing change, I turned”Martian” into a motion comic book in 2010. The motion comic book incorporates traditional elements of the cartoon such as panels and speech bubbles with sound effects, actors’ voice-overs and animation; It’s on YouTube. I also have a short film on Speck (Roku Channel) featuring the MCB’s, comic con footage and experimental clips in 2D and 3D. In addition, there is a “Martian” clip on Amazon Prime Video. I’ve screened “Martian” at comic cons nationwide, including L.A. Comic Con, where I have been a panelist.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The big challenge for comic book creators is the one that exists for pretty much any maker of art: how to make money.
Fortunately, the Internet has opened many new avenues for “Martian” to reach a wider audience.
I’m proud to introduce a new “Martian” item on eBay – the “Captain Courageous for President” campaign button! Think of “CC” as the fictional alternative for the exasperated voter. All net proceeds will benefit Los Angeles Mission.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am primarily a writer. I earned my BAA in Journalism from Central Michigan University, with a minor in Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts. I wrote for several newspapers. I’ve produced and hosted shows at the local community television station and of course, make indie films, which started with Super-8.
“Martian” has screened at a number of film festivals, and recently won the award for “Best Sci Fi” at “The Best Film Fest.” I’ve also hosted my own celebration – “Superhero Short Film Fest,” I’m amazed by the talent of so many young filmmakers!
I’m proud of the fan base that I have generated for “Martian.” It’s not easy for an indie artist to gain notoriety. But I can honestly say that I have met new fans at every comic con that I have appeared at, which is very gratifying. I’m equally proud to be on the Honor Roll of Charter Members of Comic-Con Museum in San Diego. I’m the author of several books, including the biography “Johnny Green and the Greenmen.”
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, my family knew the names of every family member in every household on the block and much of the surrounding area. All the kids played together (my mom said usually in our yard). We played hockey and touch football and I perfected my little league swing playing wiffle ball. We snagged a city championship when I was ten.
My aptitudes were Ideaphoria (having a creative imagination and being full of ideas) and English Vocabulary, thanks to all the early reading. I was outgoing and excelled in public speaking.
I’m always looking for new voice actors, artists and sponsors. If you like “Martian,” send me an email and we’ll see if you’re a good fit!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4550021/
- Email: [email protected]
- Other: eBay: https://ebay.us/f9YQl4, Amazon Books: https://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Green-Greenmen-Mark-Starks-ebook/dp/B07JZ552TK; Amazon Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/Clip-Martian-Ben-Maclaine/dp/B07MNXWJT6/; Lulu: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/mastar149
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